Intel Ups Investment Plans for Autonomous Vehicles

Intel Capital is targeting more than $250 million of additional investments over the next two years to make fully autonomous driving a reality, said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich during a presentation Nov. 15 at the LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility conference.

These investments will help further develop technologies that advance connectivity, communication, context awareness, deep learning, security, safety, and more, Krzanich said. He highlighted technologies that will drive global Internet of Things (IoT) innovation in transportation as well as areas where technology can directly mitigate risks while improving safety, mobility, and efficiency at a reduced cost. Krzanich also stressed the growing role of companies that harness the value of the data to improve reliability of automated driving systems.

Krzanich predicted that the automotive industry is on the cusp of a major transformation that will demand unprecedented levels of computing, intelligence, and connectivity. He pointed to the variety of sensors, sonar, LIDAR, and cameras that will come embedded in autonomous cars. He also underscored the need for the industry to be prepared for the future data deluge, with over 4,000 GB of data coming from a single car each day.

Just as oil has transformed the world over the past century, data is poised to transform the world for the next hundred years — and beyond, Krzanich said.

The investment announcement reflects Intel’s ongoing work with automakers and system suppliers to help integrate advanced technologies into cars.